New publications

This work critically explores the notion that the Internet will soon eliminate any need for traditional print-based academic libraries. It makes a case for the library’s staying power in the face of technological advancements with television, microfilm and CD-ROMs all once predicted as the contemporary library’s heir-apparent. Individual chapters are devoted to the pitfalls and prevarications of popular search engines, e-books, and the mass digitisation of traditional print material. Adapted from publisher's description.

Hot-Button Issues for Teachers addresses more than 100 educational issues facing schools, children and, especially, teachers. Issues covered include teacher education, merit pay, unions, classroom management, textbook selection, professional relationships and school safety. Adapted from publisher's description; also available via DA Direct.

This book draws together the thinking of 16 educators with diverse backgrounds and experiences. It includes chapters on how to link theory, practice and lived experience, contemporary learning theories, school and community, using resources effectively and a survey of existing school leadership and development programs. Adapted from publisher's description.

The book argues that for every school to become a great school, there must be a move from individual school improvement efforts and short-term objectives to a sustainable system-wide response. Achieving this goal requires strategies that not only continue to raise standards, but also build capacity within the system. Four key educational drivers needed for the shift are personalised learning, professionalised teaching, networking and innovation, and intelligent accountability. Systemic reform can be generic in terms of overall strategy and specific in adapting to individual and particular situations. Adapted from publisher's description.

Reforming schools in an information-based society has made communication an even more crucial skill for district and school administrators. In this book the authors blend research, theory and practice as they examine the critical nature of communication in contemporary practice for administrators. The book is divided into two parts and examines relationships among communication, public relations and school reform. Other issues addressed are effective communicative behavior in learning organisations, democratic leadership, organisational networks, conflict, positive relationships, and site-based management. Adapted from publisher's description.